Gantry-style apparatus for positioning a working member with respect to plurality of "X" and "Y" coordinate positions

Abstract

A gantry-style apparatus for positioning a working member with respect to plurality of "X" and "Y" coordinate positions is described which includes a pair of parallel spaced apart "X" support members defining a plurality of "X" coordinate positions and a "Y" support member defining a plurality of "Y" coordinate positions. The "Y" support member extends transversely across the "X" support members and has a first end, a second end and a mid-point between the first end and a second end. A center-pull "X" drive system is provided for moving the "Y" support member axially along the "X" support members. A working member mounting is movably secured to the "Y" support member. A "Y" drive system is provided for moving the working member mounting axially along the "Y" support member. The "Y" support member is of a length which is greater than the spacing between the "X" support members, such that the "Y" support member has a first overhanging portion adjacent the first end and a second overhanging portion adjacent the second end which extend past the "X" support members. The apparatus as described is particularly suited for laser cutting applications.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: 
     
       1. A gantry-style apparatus for positioning a working member with respect to plurality of "X" and "Y" coordinate positions; comprising: a. a pair of parallel spaced apart "X" support members defining a plurality of "X" coordinate positions;   b. a single rail-form "Y" support member defining a plurality of "Y" coordinate positions, the "Y" support member extending transversely across the "X" support members, the "Y" support member having a first end, a second end and a mid-point between the first end and a second end;   c. an asymmetrical center pull "X" drive system for moving the "Y" support member axially along the "X" support members, the "X" drive system being attached off-centre from the midpoint of the "Y" support member;   d. a working member mounting movably secured to the "Y" support member;   e. a "Y" drive system for moving the working member mounting axially along the "Y" support member; and   f. the "Y" support member being of a length which is greater than the spacing between the "X" support members such that the "Y" support member has a first overhanging portion adjacent the first end and a second overhanging portion adjacent the second end which extend past the "X" support members.   
     
     
       2. The gantry-style apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the "Y" support member has asymmetrical two point contact with each of the "X" support members, the two contact points being spaced axially along the "X" support members. 
     
     
       3. A gantry-style apparatus for positioning a working member with respect to plurality of "X" and "Y" coordinate positions; comprising: a. a generally rectangular support frame which includes a pair of parallel spaced apart "X" support members defining a plurality of "X" coordinate positions;   b. a single rail-form "Y" support member defining a plurality of "Y" coordinate positions, the "Y" support member extending transversely across the "X" support members, the "Y" support member having asymmetrical two point contact with each of the "X" support members, the two contact points being spaced axially along the "X" support members, the "Y" support member having a first end, a second end and a mid-point between the first end and a second end;   c. an asymmetrical center pull "X" drive system for moving the "Y" support member axially along the "X" support members, the "X" drive system being attached off-centre from the midpoint of the "Y" support member;   d. a working member mounting movably secured to the "Y" support member;   e. a "Y" drive system for moving the working member mounting axially along the "Y" support member; and   f. the "Y" support member being of a length which is greater than the spacing between the "X" support members such that the "Y" support member has a first overhanging portion adjacent the first end and a second overhanging portion adjacent the second end both of which extend past the "X" support members.